{Question} What inspired the launch of Bake It Pretty, and how did you come up with the name?

{Answer}I never thought I’d been in the baking supplies business. Many years ago, in 2006 when I started my personal blog, I did a few posts for fun about some interesting cupcake toppers I bought from a local cake and candy hobby shop.

The emails inquiries were almost overwhelming; everyone wanted to know where I found my retro-style cake toppers and miniatures.

I quickly realized that these old-fashioned hobby shops were few and far between, and that the Internet was severely lacking in unique, retro baking supplies. I had the quintessential light bulb moment: there was a need – and I could fill it. The rest is history.

What's in a name? I wanted it to be short, snappy, easy to spell, relatively unique and hopefully a bit retro in nature.

I came up with ”Bake It Pretty” ….and I didn’t really love it at first, but it was the best I had and it was available legally, so we went with it. It took me while to warm up to it, and I actually like it a lot more now that I first did. It’s growing on me. I like that it’s a name and a statement. You can add a period to the end and it’s a sentence: Bake It Pretty. The end.

{Question}Tell us a little about the people behind the business...backgrounds, what got you from childhood to business owner?

{Answer}My grandmother owned a southern-style catering company for many years and I have very fond memories of helping out in the kitchen, making cucumber sandwiches and pineapple boats, arranging crackers and cheese trays. Parties are so much fun, and the food is always the star of any event.

My grandma really knows how to make simple food look beautiful and taste amazing. She has been a big influence in my life, along with my Momma, who was a big time crafter back in the day. I loved helping her get ready for shows, and watching her set up her booth and interact with customers. She's the perfect people-person and I wish I was more like her in that respect. My Dad is the level-headed business dude that's good with finances, he's actually our accountant for the business and thank goodness for that! We'd be lost in a pile of invoices and paperwork if it wasn't for him.

{Question} What are some of your favorite products from your shop that you have used in decorating, baking and celebrating yourself?

{Answer} We love decorating our retail shop with all the items we sell online, and our current holiday decor is just so dreamy!

Lots of tissue snowflakes, festooning, and tinsel.

I wish we could leave it up year round!

At home, I use paper baking cups and liners constantly and I love how a simple, polka dot baking cup can make a plain muffin seem extra special.

{Question} It seems you are always adding fabulous new products to your online shop! Any previews of what is to come?

{Answer} Finding unique, new products is one of my favorite parts of the biz.

Currently I'm very interested in focusing on the "Celebrate" category of our shop and finding more retro party decorations and favors.

I think typical party supply shops are such a bore, and I'm excited to offer more fun, old fashioned goodies on our website.

I'm always searching for interesting wedding and bridal items too, but these things are proving tricky to find.

We're also considering having some new custom items produced exclusively for Bake It Pretty, but that's all very hush-hush for the moment!

{Question} Since you are experts in baking and making things pretty, for our readers who are trying to decorate some cookies and cupcakes and other delights for their children's party dessert table, do you have any hints, tips or tricks to prevent any common mistakes/disasters?

{Answer} Let's face it, kids are going to love a dessert table no matter what it looks like as long as it's loaded with goodies!

I like the look of modern dessert tables, but sometimes I feel like function is being sacrificed for form.

Sure, a huge apothecary jar full of blue gumballs is going to look (and photograph) beautifully... but who's going to eat more that one gumball? What are you going to do with all the leftovers?

I think it just as easy to have a pretty table that is also totally functional and enjoyable for everyone, you just have to be a bit more clever and resourceful.

Also, don't be afraid to junk it up a little.

I'm getting tired of all these pristine desert tables with everything in neat little rows and perfectly labeled. It must be the anarchist in me. I want to get in there and mess things up!

After all, it's supposed to be a par-tay, right?!

{Question} If you had to select your favorite new item in your shop, what would it be, and why?

{Answer}I'm really geeking out over the tiny tasting spoons and forks - they're so cute! I know it may be a bit prissy to eat a cupcake with a fork, but when it's a a tiny fork... well, that's just plain fun. We sell cupcakes at the retail shop on the weekend and you'd be surprised how many people go for the tiny cutlery. I think these little forks and spoons will become all the rage with cupcake lovers.

{Question} Many of our readers are incredible DIYers. Your shop seems to be the absolute perfect resource for them. Tell us a little about your blog, and how it compliments your website...what can readers expect to see on your blog on a daily basis?

{Answer} Creating how-to's and recipes is such a joy, I personally wish I had more time to devote to the blog just for that reason. We definitely don't concentrate on baking, and you can often find craft projects, giveaways, free print outs and lots more. In the coming year we have big plans for the blog such as guest bloggers, book reviews and giveaways, and contests.

We do promote new products and shop events on the blog, but it's really mainly a place to post pictures, share inspirations, and sometimes just be silly.

{Question} What are your favorite daily reads (websites and blogs, as well as e-zines)?

--favorite place to shop for home decorating items Antique and thrift stores, TJ Maxx & Marshalls

--how will you be decorating for the holidays this year? We may be moving to a house closer to town this December so... ugh. I don't know how much decorating our house is going get. I think this year I will be living vicariously through the Bake It Pretty shop.

{Question} Do you have a favorite childhood memory of celebrating your birthdays growing up? Tell us a little about that.

{Answer} My birthday is October 25th, and I love having parties in the Fall. One of my favorites was a costume party, and I wore a big flouncy princess dress and I though I looked soooooo fancy.

We had candy apples and finger sandwiches. There was a little wooded area with a path behind our house, and some for the older boys in the neighborhood hid around the trail and jumped out to "scare" me and my girlfriends as we were running around in our fancy costumes. I remember thinking that was just the coolest party ever. :)

{Question} How do you celebrate birthdays in your household today?

{Answer}Pretty hodge-pogde, honestly. My husband and I don't' go too crazy, but we usually do a themed party for our son Max. He's turning 8 this Saturday, November 13th and this year and the theme is Cave/Mining. So, lots of bats, candy jewels, Lava punch, etc. We're stoked! I plan to share the details later on the Bake It Prettyblog.

{Question} I am a firm believer that pretty packaging isn't just functional, it is fashionable and can make an ordinary treat extraordinary! What are some creative ways you like to use pretty packaging for party favors or treats guests take home from dessert tables?

{Answer} Oh yes, I agree totally about packaging.

I read somewhere once that, "..if you only have $5 to spend on a gift, use $1 for the present and the other $4 on packaging." Interesting philosophy, but I love the idea behind it. A pretty gift can make anyone feel special.

And honestly, you don't have to spend a lot of money on a pretty package. I stock up on the basics: disposable loaf pans, bakery boxes, striped twine, etc.

Then I love to incorporate vintage finds from my personal thrifting stash like old aprons, embroidered napkins, retro ribbon, tea cups, and more.

When I find things I love, like a new flavor of loose leaf tea, I'll buy a large bulk container of it and portion it off. Tie up a little cello bag of loose tea, place it in a pretty vintage tea cup tied with baker's twine and perhaps a lacy doily or an embroidered napkin and you have a sweet, simple, (and inexpensive,) gift that look as pretty as a picture.

{Question} The big question: How do you balance it all--family, work, and blogging? Any advice for others trying to find a way to a more stress-free life managing everything?

{Answer} Man, this is a toughie. I think it's a daily struggle for most of us, including me, and what works one week may not work the next. A few things that have helped consistently for me: breathing techniques to reduce stress (seriously, sounds simple but can be a powerful tool,) being OK with saying "no" to some opportunities,letting go of ridiculous standards and self-imposed deadlines, and taking Internet breaks as often as humanly possible.

I'm not a scheduled person, so I often battle with myself to stick to a certain routine just because it seems to work for other people. It's hard not to compare myself to other business owners, even bloggers, that really seem to have their act together - but that's a waste of time.

Nobody is perfect, nobody has it all figured out. We're all doing the best we can.

{Question} Any quick ideas on how to bake things pretty for Thanksgiving? Something a bit nontraditional but likely to receive oooouuus and aaaaahhhs?

{Answer} I'm very interested in exploring the realm of edible flowers, and I recently found a local shop that specializes in this area. I hope to learn more soon and report back on the blog! Anyway, I found out that many mums are technically edible and can be sugared. I think a holiday turkey, or maybe some little Cornish hens, would look stunning on a bed of sugared mums in Autumn hues. Wouldn't that be crazy and beautiful? I really want to try it!

{Question} So many people love to decorate baked goods and give as gifts during the holidays, and I have no doubt you sell out of items fast. How early do you recommend people order their goodies?

{Answer} Some of our customers begin ordering holiday goods in August. That blows my mind, I just don't have that kind of initiative. I don't even like putting up the Holiday stuff now in November. It feels too soon! But that's the retail game, so I gotta play along.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend buying Holiday items so early. You don't want to burn out on Christmas stuff before December even rolls around.

We ship order out pretty darn fast these days, and we should be plenty stocked up throughout the holidays, so I wouldn't stress about it. If some of our seasonal kits and specialty items are going to be limited in quantity, I'll be sure to note that on the website so customers can order early.

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Thank you so much Amanda, for a GREAT interview!!!!

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Now, for a *FABULOUS GIVEAWAY* from Bake It Pretty! Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to their online shop!

I love Bake it Pretty and loved the interview! 1. There are way too many items in that shop that I want! But, I'd probably go with some of their fantastic cupcake wrappers in bright colors and in pastel colors so I can bring them out for several of my parties. Oh, and maybe some of the fun sprinkles they have! 2. I'm a fan of bake it pretty and 3. I'm a fan of Kate Landers!

I have been a customer of Bake it Pretty for some time and I love their cupcake kits and cupcake liners. I also love the unique retro bags and toppers. Thanks for the opportunity for such a great giveaway! Your parties are stunning!

I love the suitcases and all those retro cupcake toppers. They remind me of when I was little and my grandmother made us treats. She always put a cute topper on them! I became a fan of yours and Bake it Pretty today on facebook.

What a great interview and I love how she likes a little choas even though mine is usually unintentional. And there are way too many things at Bake it pretty to pick one or two for that matter but I do like the cupcake 101 baking & decorating kit and the red parade cupcake wrappers.

Hmmm really Bake it Pretty has a huge range who could ask for more. Might have missed these on the site but I do love Ah Tissues new pom picks cupcake toppers and also the backdrops for party/dessert tables some places have

oops! I was so excited about the many wonderful products at Bake It Pretty that I forgot to post my 2nd favorite thing. #2 is the Tag Cookie Cutter (http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_47/Tag-Cutter.htm) With Christmas coming up I bet I could do many fun and creative things with it!

Oh, how I LOVE Bake it Pretty! Such a candy store for a party girl like me! And what a fabulous interview! :) My fave products from them right now? The Polka Dot Patisserie Cupcake Cases by Meri Meri and the Chocolate Brown Loaf Pans. LOVE!!! :)

My two favorites are the cupcake liners (I LOVE the high-quality paper that doesn't get oily and soft after baking) and the large piping tips. I ordered some a few weeks ago and have been baking cupcakes, mini cupcakes, and muffins nonstop!

Trying to pick my two favorite items from Bake It Pretty is like trying to pick your favorite child (well, not that extreme, I guess, wink wink), but I want everything on the site. I placed an order the other week and placed another one today...after spending forever trying to decide what cupcake liners to match with which sprinkles. Love it all! <3

I think I just planned 8 years of birthday parties while I was checking out their site! I love:royal crown lollipop moldteacup lolly moldtiny tea party moldvintage button moldteddy bear pick moldred and/or lime green gingham paper bagsplaid picnic snack trays and cookie boxeslarge summer picnic gable boxesAnd the suitcasesWhew. Fan on FB of both Kate Landers and Bake it Pretty.

Can you clarify in future giveaway posts where you use "AND" as an entry requirement how we should post? I read it as one post for all three, but then I see a lot of people doing 3 different posts. Hmmm.

So I'll admit it, I'm kind of a cupcake floozy. I fall in love with anything and everything having to do with cupcakes!

I would love to get the vintage village decorating kit (because who doesn't want a cute vintage deer on their cupcake?!?) and some chunky crystal sugar in deep purple, because it's sassy. That's right. Sassy.

What a great website to find retro party items.I LOVE the Warbling Bird Whistles they really take me back to my childhood. The Cake-Sicle Pan Setwould be perfect for my son's next summer birthday party.

1) I want disposable loaf pans and more boxes to carry all my goodies to work so I don't eat them all. Then, I saw this awesome metal cupcake carrier or the perfect icing set because I have yet to perfect that!

I've been following the bake it pretty blog (and store) since it started via google reader. I love it. My favorite products are the beautiful cupcake wraps {especially the silhouette ones}and the decorating kit. For new product ideas I would love to see doilies and cupcake large stands for entertaining.

I adore Bake It Pretty SOOOOO much! I have almost memorized their lovely product list as I continue to visit (and drool) over the dreamlicious baking/decorating possibilities. My favorites are the vintage Christmas set (love those little reindeer!) and the candy buttons! I'm a fan of both Bake It Pretty and now your lovely company on FB. So glad to find you via the Bake It Pretty blog!

I have been a customer for a while and can't get enough of the paper straws (for parties and decorating!) and bakers twine in different colors.....I want to line one of my glass kitchen shelves with twine and mason jars full of paper straws!!! YUMMY.

I became a fan of Kate Landers and of Bake It Pretty on FB. I love way too many things at the shop!! I need the powdered food colors. I NEED the tiny little forks. I also love all the different sprinkles and cupcake liners and cute packaging! What a fun giveaway!! thanks!

Something new that I would like to see at Bake it Pretty would be more edible decorations! Specifically, sea themed edible decorations (ie whales, fish, crabs, etc) that I could get for my daughters first under the sea themed birthday party! That would be awesome! :)

Hi from Australia! I just got SO excited when I saw Bake it Pretty! there is just so much choice! I would have to say that being a baker of cupcakes I have fallen in love with all the gorgeous cupcake liners and toppers....the world is such a small place these days and I am glad to have found my new supplier Bake it Pretty! ooh and I am a fan of Kate Lasnders and thanks to Kate also Bake it Pretty as well! :)

Oh I love 'Bake it Pretty'. Thanks for featuring them. My kids and I adore making cupcakes and always love making them extra special with pretty cases or toppers. Any excuse for a special afternoon tea. I Particularly love the cupcake kits( just what we love for our afternoon teas!). Also love the gingham paper bags and newspaper bags( visions of a vintage theme). However i couldn't go past the cupcake bandaids...A true cupcake lovers necessity. Three little cherubs in my house will soon be adorned in them. Thanks! Off to bake!As far as other products..printables!!

I LOVW everything on the site! I especially like the cupcake kits. They are so very adorable!!! I also LOVE all of the vintage items. They are so unique. A little while ago I bought many cupcake theme goodies from the site for my best friends birthday, She gushed over every one!!!

First time visitor, wow! I love everything! I googled 'cupcake papers' and arrived at your beautiful shop. Looking for unique items to share/send to Australia for a friend who just 'launched' her children's book - 'Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot'. So naturally looking for all things Violet, buttons, fairy, and flowers! Would love a bunch of pretty cupcake papers, and the icing, decorating kit! - thanks for the opportunity! Maureen*I may be a little too late for the drawing - hope not!

I love love love Bake it pretty !! I wish there were that kind of sweet shop in France! I know everybody out there in the US is so fond of Laduree and that kind of things, but i've been living in America for 2 years, and there nothing i miss much than the american way !Your blog is terrific!

I love bake it pretty! I'm a huge fan. now, that I found you, a fan too. Bake it pretty has the cutest and most amazing decorations and supplies. Plus, they're in my home state! Someday I'll see them IRL:)